Offensive Line and Depth

[Ruhskins]

There have been recent concerns about our offensive line given the recent cuts and of course what happened at the end of last season. I wanted to start a discussion about the offensive line, its depth, and to take a closer look our 2nd string offensive line (which I knew little about). Also I wanted to ask some general questions for discussion regarding this topic.

Our 2nd string line according to the depth chart in Redskins.com (I know it is probably not the final depth chart, but I had to start somewhere). I also threw some "pros" about these guys (since we can all come up with cons).

(LT) D'Anthony Batiste 6'4"/314lbs/age 27/3rd yr. Started 4 games at guard; has had stints with Dallas and Carolina.

(LG) Edwin Williams 6'3"/315lbs/age 22/Rookie. 3-yr starter at UMD/1st team All-ACC in 2008; can play guard and center.

(C) Will Montgomery 6'3"/305lbs/age 23/3rd yr. Has played 13 games, 6 as starter (as a rookie played 6 games, started 4 games with Panthers).

(RG) Chad Rinehart 6'5"/310lbs/age 24/2nd yr. Got a lot of reps during training camp in R. Thomas' absence, and has played with 1st-team o-line this preseason.

(RT) Mike Williams 6'6"/337lbs/age 29/5 yrs. Praised by coaching staff in his run blocking.

The best case scenario is of course that none of these guys see the field as starters. If one were to start, who would you pick? Do you think that one of these guys playing with the starters would be a big drop off in production?

A lot of people are criticizing the team for not having enough depth in the 2nd team. I am curious to know what people would respond to the following questions:

- Buges (of course) has an opinion on the decision of who stays with the team and makes the roster in regards to the o-line. With that in mind, is his decision to keep these guys as the 2nd team should be a cause of concern on his ability to judge talent?

- Would the team cut a guy like Bridges, if Buges would have wanted to keep him? If not, what would you say at the possibility that Buges picked these guys over Bridges?

- Realisticly, what type of player would add better depth to this group?

- Do you think that having a guy like Michael Oher instead of Batiste or Williams (and having the rest of the back ups the same) would solve any depth concerns?

- This entire 2nd string line is under 30 years old...is this a good thing because they are infusing youth or a bad thing because they lack experience.